New Orleans, Louisiana — A citywide manhunt is underway in Louisiana after 11 inmates, some facing serious charges such as murder and assault, escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail early Friday morning. The brazen escape has prompted urgent questions about jail security as law enforcement agencies race to recapture the fugitives.
Sheriff Susan Hutson confirmed during a Friday morning news conference that jail staff discovered the escape during a routine head count at 8:30 a.m. Officials believe the inmates managed to leave the facility around midnight, remaining undetected for nearly eight hours.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick warned that all escapees should be considered armed and dangerous. She urged residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
Escape and Immediate Response
The Orleans Parish Jail, located in the heart of New Orleans, was placed on immediate lockdown following the discovery. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Casey McGee confirmed that two of the 11 men—Kendell Myles and an unidentified individual—have been captured as of Friday afternoon. Louisiana State Police apprehended Myles in the French Quarter using what officials called “intelligence-led techniques.” He was located on Royal Street and detained near the Hotel Monteleone parking garage.
The remaining nine inmates are still at large as law enforcement agencies collaborate on the manhunt.
Details on the Escapees and Their Charges
The Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the escapees:
- Antoine Massey
- Lenton Vanburen
- Jermaine Donald
- Leo Tate
- Kendell Myles (captured)
- Derrick Groves
- Corey Boyd
- Gary Price
- Robert Moody
- Decannon Dennis
- Keith Lewis
Several of the escapees are facing charges for violent crimes, including second-degree murder and attempted murder:
- Antoine Massey: Charged with domestic abuse involving strangulation and car theft.
- Lenton Vanburen: Accused of illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a firearm by a felon, obstruction of justice, and introducing contraband into prison.
- Leo Tate: Facing charges of simple burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon, and illegal carrying of a weapon.
- Kendell Myles: Charged with intention to conceal a weapon, introducing contraband into prison, and possession of contraband.
- Derrick Groves: Jailed on three counts of attempted second-degree murder and recently convicted in October 2024.
The charges for the remaining inmates have not been fully detailed, but authorities have stated that all should be considered a threat to public safety.
Security Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
The circumstances surrounding the escape, including how the inmates managed to breach security and evade detection for hours, remain under investigation. Sheriff Hutson acknowledged that few details are available at this time, but assured the public that a thorough review of security protocols is underway.
The Orleans Parish Jail, which houses individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences for a range of offenses, has experienced scrutiny in the past regarding its security measures.
Public Safety and How to Report Sightings
Law enforcement officials are emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Residents are advised not to approach any of the escapees, and to contact Crimestoppers or call 911 if they see anyone matching the descriptions provided by the Sheriff’s Office.
As the search continues, the jail remains on lockdown, and additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed to assist in the manhunt.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.